How To Take Pictures of Your Dog on the Beach, From the Photographer Behind This Adorable Beach Dog Photo Book

Lara Jo Regan

Puppies! Playing! On the beach! Need we say more?

By
Mary Tomlinson

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Anyone who’s brought their furry friend to the beach knows the outing isn’t complete until you’ve taken a few (hundred) photos of Fido running, splashing, and just being downright adorable. But for Lara Jo Regan, photographer and author of the newly released Dogs on the Beachphoto book, she’s a seasoned pro at capturing these beautiful beach dog moments.

Lara Jo Regan

“My first inspiration came about many years ago when visiting a stunning dog beach on Coronado Island with my own three canine charges,” Regan says. “I could not believe what a happy, beautiful place the beach was, and how many blissed-out, beautiful dogs were frolicking about.”

“I’ll never forget the eclectic array of dogs obediently sitting on their respective surfboards while attending a dog surfing class, intently listening to the instructor,” Regan says.

Related: The Best Cities for Walking Your Dog

How to take photos of your dog on the beach

For aspiring pup photographers looking to add beach shots to their dog’s Instagram or add a few to family photo albums, Regan recommends going for shots where dogs are splashing around, “as water reads so beautifully on camera and action produces rare moments that can’t be duplicated.”

If possible, take pictures at the magic hour—a.k.a. sunset—when the light is a gorgeous amber, and get down to your dog’s level.

But most important? “Have fun!”

Here are a few sneak peaks from Regan’s book (cue “Awww” sounds):

Lara Jo Regan

Cheerful French Bulldogs Lilo, Walle, and Eva playing at Rosie’s Dog Beach just south of Los Angeles

Mini Pinschers Lady and Zane on on a cloudy day at Fort Funston Beach in San Francisco

Lara Jo Regan

“One scene I remember is when Pearl and Shoko, a pair of pure white Pekingese show dogs whose owner had just washed and groomed them, threw themselves into a giant sand bar puddle and would not stop rolling around until they looked like mud wrestlers.”